Pick The Right Cargo Carrier

Vacation has arrived and your family is ready to hit the road.  Or, maybe vacation is still several months away and you realize the mountain of gear that needs to go with you has to be packed somewhere.  Looking at your family vehicle you're probably thinking "there is just no way all of that is going to fit into there".  Where is it all going to go?  At LakelandGear.com, we've been helping travelers pack since 1997.  Let us help by making the following suggestions.

1. Look at your car to see the features that you have to assist in packing.  Do you have a factory luggage rack on the roof?  Racks are a big asset to help you haul cargo.  If you don't have a luggage rack, you may consider adding one by visiting your local car dealer or by adding an aftermarket version.  If you have roof rack side rails on your car, you can add aftermarket cross bars from our site.  Receiver hitches are another asset for cargo.  These square "holes" under your back bumper are usually 2" or 1.25" in diameter. They accept trailer hitches, bike racks, cargo boxes and platforms, and other accessory products.  We will discuss cargo boxes below.

2.  Considerations for packing gear on the roof:  Understand that you and your crew are going to have to lift duffel bags, tents, bicycles, or whatever else up to the roof level or higher.  Usually, this doesn't present a problem for most people, but it is still an important consideration.  You can usually stand on the door frame, the tailgate, the bumper or even on the spare tire and have people hand your gear up to you if necessary.  Light weight wheel steps are available as step ups for loading the roof as well.

3. Also, consider aerodynamics.  Car top carriers come in all shapes and sizes.  Car top boxes and car top cargo bags will make a difference in your gas mileage-sometimes up to 5 mpg. Some of these bags and boxes are designed with aerodynamic shapes to slice the wind and don't affect your mileage quite as much.  If you have gear that must go on your trip or is necessary to make your vacation fun, by all means pack it, the minor difference in fuel costs shouldn't ruin your fun. If you want a solution that won't affect your mileage, please consider the Cargo Saddlebag car back carrier or our wide selection of Hitch Mount Cargo Boxes. These cargo solutions ride behind your car with no wind resistance what-so-ever.

4.  PackRight Cargo Bags or Hard Shell Cargo Boxes?  Which way to go?  Let's match them head to head and declare a winner for each category in parenthesis. 
Easy to put on and off (bag). Many people install a roof box and leave it on.
Easy to load gear (box).  The rigid shape makes it easy to place things inside.
Aerodynamics (box).  Although there are a few PackRight car top bags that have an aerodynamic shape. See Sport 1 and Sport 3. 
Security of cargo (even).  Boxes and bags both lock.  Car top carrier bags are easy to take off at night and lock in the hotel room.
Cost (bag).  Roof top bags are much less expensive.
Storage when not in use (bag) fold up and pack away in a small space.  Even keep one in the trunk.  Stuff sack is included.
Packing odd size or large objects (bag).  They are flexible and made wider, so generally bigger objects can fit inside.
Packing skis (box).  Some boxes are long enough to fit skis inside.
There you have it: bag 4-1/2 to box 3-1/2.  That is how we see it. 

Remember to consider the height of your garage or any places that you regularly travel.  When considering the size of your bag or box, remember that car top bags should be packed full so the material doesn't flap in the wind and boxes should be packed full so that gear doesn't rattle around inside.    

5.  If you have a 2" (Class III) receiver you can carry heavier loads than with a 1.25" (Class II) receiver.  If you don't have a receiver, you can get one installed at any U-haul dealer or your local trailer or hitch shop.  Hitch mount Cargo Boxes are growing in popularity.  LakelandGear.com features fixed models and Swing Away Cargo Boxes that allow you to move the box away from the vehicle, providing you easy access to the back.  Hitch mount cargo boxes are easy to install and easy to load since they are closer to the ground that roof boxes.  If you decide to go this route, don't forget a locking hitch pin which will lock the cargo box to your vehicle.  LakelandGear.com hitch mount cargo boxes are extra secure with a strong lock in the lid. 

6.  Cargo platforms fit into receiver hitches.  Cargo platforms can also be fixed or swing away.  LakelandGear.com offers a large selection of  Swing Away Hitch Mount Cargo Platforms.  Some models fold up against the back of the vehicle when not in use.  Cargo platforms are great for items that won't fit into a box.  A locking hitch pin is also a great idea here as well as a Locking Security Cable to hold your gear.  You should also be conscious of the platforms finish.  Painted surfaces will eventually scratch and rust will start to form.  Better units are powder coated which ends up being much more durable than paint.

7.  How about the PackRight Cargo Saddlebag.  This innovative cargo device is a large bag that suspends from your luggage rack down the back of your car.  The Saddlebag provides the best of all worlds. In the competition above, this bag wins each category hands down.  The bag is extremely easy to load with no aerodynamic drag and comes at a low cost.  The bag rides under the rear window without obstructing your view.  Please read more about this unique product-our highest seller.

As you can see, you have many choices where to pack your gear, but only one right one for you.  Please contact us if you need assistance in determining which solution is right for you.